What does Elena mean when she says, "Taking away lunch doesn't fix a problem in third period"?
Analyze and Evaluate Information in Spoken English · TELPAS Grades 10–12 listening. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Reporting category 3: make inferences from what was said, and work out a speaker's purpose, opinion, or what will happen next.
Listen to the debate. Then answer the questions.
A Class Debate
Press play to listen. You can pause, rewind, and replay as often as you like.
Show transcript
Ms. Robinson: Our topic today is the proposed policy that phones must stay in lockers for the whole school day, including lunch. Elijah, you're arguing for it. Go ahead.
Elijah: Thanks. Right now phones are supposed to be away during class, but everyone knows that doesn't really happen. Teachers spend time every period asking people to put them away. If phones are in lockers all day, that argument just disappears. And at lunch, people would actually talk to each other instead of scrolling.
Ms. Robinson: Elena, your response.
Elena: I agree that phones in class are a problem. But this policy punishes everyone for what some students do in class. A lot of us use lunch to check our work schedules or text our parents about who's picking up our little brothers and sisters. Those aren't small things. I'd support a policy that's strict during class but leaves lunch alone.
Elijah: But if lunch is allowed, people will just keep them in their pockets and take them out in class.
Elena: Then enforce the rule that already exists. Taking away lunch doesn't fix a problem in third period.
The question
Choose the best answer.
What does Elena mean when she says, "Taking away lunch doesn't fix a problem in third period"?
- The policy targets a time when the problem is not happening.Correct answer
- Students should have a longer lunch period than they do now.
- Third period is the only class where students use phones.
- Teachers in third period do not enforce the rules at all.
Why “The policy targets a time when the problem is not happening.” is correct
This tests understanding of a speaker's argument expressed through an example. 'Third period' stands for any class, and her point is that the problem is in class, so a rule about lunch does not address it. This requires interpreting the statement, not just recalling it.
Why the other answers are wrong
- Students should have a longer lunch period than they do now. — She is not asking for more time; she is talking about phone rules.
- Third period is the only class where students use phones. — 'Third period' is an example of class time, not the only class with a problem.
- Teachers in third period do not enforce the rules at all. — She says to enforce the existing rule, but she is not blaming one specific teacher.
Practice more of this
More listening practice for Grades 10–12, or see the TELPAS practice test for 10th–12th grade.
This is an independent study resource. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the Texas Education Agency or the official TELPAS program. All questions here are original practice material written to match the published test design.